Chapter 37: The Invasion of the Demon Clan

Inside the brightly lit cave, the group led by Qin Lang had stopped to rest, discussing their next course of action. Liu Qingyao was already trailing behind them. Though there remained some distance, she continued to follow closely, unwavering. Now, the group needed to deliberate on how to deal with her—how to capture Liu Qingyao at the first possible moment.

Qin Lang glanced at Liu Man beside him, puzzled. “Brother Liu, forgive me for asking, but if you do catch Liu Qingyao, what do you plan to do with her?”

Liu Man looked at him, perplexed. “Brother Qin, why would you care about the life or death of a demon? Don’t tell me you’ve taken a fancy to that enchantress?”

Qin Lang was speechless. What nonsense! Of course, he only grumbled inwardly, not daring to voice his thoughts. The man before him was a formidable cultivator—provoking him could be fatal. Besides, she was a demon; the last thing he desired was to beget children with one.

“Brother Liu, it’s not that I care about the demon’s fate. I’m simply asking: if you do capture her, how will you handle it?”

Liu Man smiled faintly, shaking his head. “If we catch her, we’ll try to extract the demon clan’s plans from her—then kill her.”

Qin Lang was left speechless again. So ruthless? Then again, it made sense. Humans and demons were mortal enemies. The humans sought to slay the demons, and vice versa. Their enmity spanned generations, the hatred as deep as the sea, and the bloodshed never ceased. Now that the demons conspired to bring calamity to a once-pure land, the Immortal Dynasty could hardly turn a blind eye. This enchantress was doomed.

After some time had passed, Qin Lang, still clad in black, sat by the fire, staring into the flames, his heart in turmoil. His inner torment was all about the Prince of Pingnan’s conspiracy with the demon clan. He wanted to confess everything, but speaking out would be considered treason. He chose to keep it hidden in his heart—not because he didn’t wish to speak, but because the time had not yet come. Only after establishing his Dao foundation and surviving the tribulation could he reveal the truth.

“Young man, tonight’s full moon makes it the perfect time for Dao Foundation. Find a way to slip away and perform it somewhere safe.”

Suddenly, Naitang’s voice sounded in Qin Lang’s ear. Qin Lang winced, wishing he could give Naitang a good knock or two.

“Easy for you to say. I’d love to leave, but if I do, trouble is bound to follow.” He wanted to do Dao Foundation, but couldn’t get away. Liu Man and the others watched him like hawks, never giving him an opportunity to leave.

“Don’t you want to establish your Dao foundation?” Naitang’s voice came again.

Qin Lang shook his head, staring into the fire. “Of course I want to, but look at our situation. If it’s not possible, wishing alone is useless.” He longed to advance his cultivation, but circumstances made it impossible. His only hope was for Liu Qingyao to attack him, giving him a chance to escape. But her actions were beyond his control—unless...

Thunder rumbled across the sky, followed by a torrential downpour. Qin Lang frowned. Where had this sudden rain come from? Even Liu Man and the others, resting in their own corners, were startled awake by the thunder and rain, each opening their eyes wide. The sound of rain outside the cave and the deafening thunder overhead filled them all with anxiety and unease, as if some danger drew near in the stormy night.

A short while later, Wang Zimo, who was on lookout at the cave entrance, rushed in. “Brother Liu, there’s a group of demons using the storm as cover—they’re closing in on us.”

A sly smile crept onto Liu Man’s lips. The fish had finally taken the bait. The others were equally pleased. Qin Lang, however, was worried. The arrival of the demons meant he was in danger. He had life-saving treasures, but not many. Once they were used up, he’d be at the mercy of fate.

At that moment, Naitang’s excited voice sounded again. “Young man, the time for Dao Foundation has come. Find a way to slip out of their sight and begin.”

Qin Lang nodded to himself, a faint smile appearing. This was indeed an opportunity—the chance to become a Foundation Establishment cultivator. He had been struggling over how to escape Liu Man’s watchful eyes, but fate was on his side.

Moments later, more than a dozen figures appeared in the cave. Not humans—but demons disguised as humans, weapons in hand, gazes cold and vigilant. Finding the cave empty, the disguised demons frowned, searching every corner, baffled.

Outside the cave, on a large ancient tree some hundred meters away, Qin Lang, Liu Man, and the others watched in the rain, scanning the scene for their prey. Liu Qingyao had not yet appeared, making them anxious—had their quarry truly escaped their grasp?

Just as worry threatened to consume them, a dazzling figure appeared in their sight. It was Liu Qingyao, beneath a red oil-paper umbrella, accompanied by an old woman. As they approached the cave, the demons who had stormed inside now emerged, their faces dark with frustration.

Seeing them empty-handed, Liu Qingyao’s face clouded with anger. “What happened? Did you not see them?”

The group of demons exchanged uneasy glances, then lowered their heads, not daring to meet her eyes. They had searched the cave thoroughly, not even sparing a fly, yet found nothing. They were certain they’d seen Qin Lang and the others enter—how could they have vanished?

As the group remained silent, Liu Qingyao’s expression grew even darker. “Something’s wrong. We’ve been tricked.”

Her words shocked the group. Before they could react, Liu Man, Hua Manlou, and Wang Zimo flashed out like phantoms, each drawing their weapons and fixing their sights on the beautiful enchantress before them. She was their prey, the main target of their mission.

Hua Manlou’s gaze swept over Liu Qingyao’s alluring form, his eyes lighting up. “Well, well, I didn’t expect this girl to have such a figure. It’s a pity she’s a demon—otherwise, I’d really want to have some fun.”

“Really, Hua Manlou? Your lust knows no bounds. Wanting even a demon?” Wang Zimo sneered, looking at him with undisguised contempt.